Page 27 - January 2019 Voices

you can’t overlook, isn’t there?” “What would who is responsible for continuously promoting
you say that is, Earl,” I asked with a blank look. the club?” “I guess that would be everyone,” I

“Leadership, developing leadership talent and said a bit hesitantly. “Exactly!” Earl said, leaning
skill is the key to your solution, Patrick. How back in his chair again, “Exactly! But! It is in the
are you developing the leadership capability of execution of the leadership responsibility that
your people? Are you really developing their organizes the plan and trains members in such

skills? Have you evaluated their skills? Have you a way that they are capable” (he drew that word
taken time to know what their skills are? Have out, ca—pa—ble) “of getting the message across
you determined if their skills match the position to others.”
they’re in?” “Hold on a minute,” I said. “Let’s take Suddenly, Earl looked at his watch and

those one at a time!” exclaimed “I’m going to be late for my meeting!
Earl looked at me in the eye and said, “Great, Patrick, it has been great meeting and chatting
let’s do just that. Let’s get right to the core. Every with you but I must go. I hope you have gained
organization, no matter what it does or why it some insight to your challenge.” “Yes,” I said a

exists must do two things. First, they must execute bit startled, “this has been a great conversation,
their program well, isn’t that right?” I nodded I feel inspired by your words, thank you,” and
in agreement. “Then, they must bring people in a moment he was gone.
into the program in order to have something On my way home I pondered that

to manage, it takes active people to sustain an conversation. Who was this guy Earl and where
organization, don’t you agree?” “Yes, you’re right did he come from? As I arrived home and walked
Earl, if you don’t have enough people to execute through the living room I noticed the plaque
the program effectively it will soon dwindle to hanging on the wall. The perpetual annual award

nothing.” “That’s right,” Earl said with a big grin our club presents to a member who they feel has
on his face. “And what do you call that function?” been the most inspirational throughout the year.
A bit sheepishly I said, “Marketing,” as if to ask The award was named after one of the Charter
a question. That’s right Patrick, marketing, and members, Earl Mershon. I stopped and thought

who in your Toastmaster Club is responsible for a moment, chills ran down my spine. Could
for marketing? “Well, that would be the Vice that have been . . . ?
President of PR.” Earl sort of bit his lip then
said, “Yes, that’s the leadership responsibility, but

VOICES! | JANUARY 2019 27